THE 1874 COLUMN - a different perspective by Matt Waters

1874 Northwich were delighted to announce the signing of playmaker Joe Duckworth from Winsford United at the end of last week.

Everyone at 1874 sends our thanks to Winsford United for their work in making sure the deal went through so that Joe could feature in our 5-1 Macron Cup win against Cheadle Heath Nomads.

I caught up with Joe at training to discuss his switch to 1874 and his potential role in the team.

He also had a message for the fans.

“The ambition 1874 has is something that excites me,” he said.

“I’ve had a really good time at Winsford but this is an opportunity that really interests me.”

Duckworth, 17, who has featured five times for Winsford this season, believes that he shares the same ambition as the other 1874 players for this campaign.

He said: “We want to get promoted this season.

“After going out of the FA Vase early it means we have to focus on other competitions and this week is an opportunity to do that.”

After breaking into the Winsford first team last season, he believes his most natural position is in the number 10 role.

He added: “I see that as my best position or up front where I can be a goal scorer.

“Hopefully I can do that to help gain the side promotion.”

In a final message for the fans he said: “You can expect me to be a hard worker, scoring goals and making sure the team does as well as it can.”

And we saw exactly that from Joe against Cheadle Heath Nomads.

After coming on in the 80th minute, Duckworth managed to inject some pace and skill into the 74 attack which had already been clinical all afternoon.

He even managed to mark his first 1874 performance by getting an assist too.

A ball down the right-hand touchline fell into the path of Scott McGowan who finished from a tight angle making it 5-1 at full time.

Speaking on the signing of Joe, co-manager Wayne Goodison said: “We’ve liked Joe for a while now.

“He played well when he played against us last season and we think he’s got a lot of potential.

“When the opportunity came up for us to sign him, we knew it was one we wanted to make and Winsford were great in making sure the deal went through.”

Forthcoming 1874 fixtures:

Tonight, Tuesday: Witton Albion v 1874, Cheshire Senior Cup, 7.45pm

Saturday: 1874 v Burscough, North West Counties League Premier Division, 3pm